Kick Panel Speakers in a C-2

[Stuart F.]

Just thought I'd ask: for nearly 7 or 8 years now I have had a new set of "Autosound" kick panel speakers that I bought at Bloomington Gold St Charles before I moved here to Florida. I have had their stereo radio in my car for about 15 or more years. I recall, after I painted the plastic panels, I started to install the driver's side unit and ran into a severe interference problem with the vent cable. That side is quite short and they tend to be very hard (take a set) after this many years, i.e. it ain't goin no where. It appears I would have to notch the panel a lot to clear. I really want to put them in now as one of my cool season projects just to enjoy my sounds a little more while I'm still kicking.

Has anyone else per chance experienced this situation and, if so, what did you do??

Stu Fox

[Stuart F.]

Re: Kick Panel Speakers in a C-2

Guess I asked this question on the wrong forum.

Sorry. Seems like there are far fewer posters these days. Thought it would pick up with the colder "stay inside" weather up north. We have some of your coat tail cold down here as well, but we use it to good advantage. I spent the day in my garage barely working up a sweat.

Stu Fox

[Don H.]

Re: Kick Panel Speakers in a C-2

Stu,
I used what you are describing years ago but made my own. Currently I use a quality 6x9 that has two voice coils mounted in the original location. Of course you do not get any "stereo" effect but the sound is clearer as it is not aimed at your feet. Good luck, Don H.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Kick Panel Speakers in a C-2

Thank you for your response Donald. I too have the twin cone 6" x 9" in my dash and have since installing my stereo Autosound radio/cassette unit back in the early 90's. But, I was looking to improve on the sound with the kick panel speakers. I also have some enclosed rear speakers, the housings of which I hold to the rear carpeting with velcro along with a 10 CD player. The sound from the rear is pretty good as long as I don't pile too much in front of the speakers. I just thought the kick panel units would be an improvement based on the fact that many new cars use them or speakers in the doors.

So, if I understand you correctly, you have tried them and were not satisfied with the sound quality (as you say; "pointed at you feet").

Stu Fox

[Stephen L.]

Re: Kick Panel Speakers in a C-2

Have you actually removed the kick panels??? I don't think there is room to install a speaker without some serious cutting of the metal cage, if you want them to be flush mounted.

[Ken A.]

Re: Kick Panel Speakers in a C-2

Thank you for your response Donald. I too have the twin cone 6" x 9" in my dash and have since installing my stereo Autosound radio/cassette unit back in the early 90's. But, I was looking to improve on the sound with the kick panel speakers. I also have some enclosed rear speakers, the housings of which I hold to the rear carpeting with velcro along with a 10 CD player. The sound from the rear is pretty good as long as I don't pile too much in front of the speakers. I just thought the kick panel units would be an improvement based on the fact that many new cars use them or speakers in the doors.

So, if I understand you correctly, you have tried them and were not satisfied with the sound quality (as you say; "pointed at you feet").

Stu Fox

Stu, a rebuilt OE radio with a new 10 ohm speaker will beat about anything out there at REST, especially if you like that big OE Delco sound.
Rather than more "stuff" added, get an ipod for crusing sound & be done with it.

[Don H.]

Re: Kick Panel Speakers in a C-2

Stu,
It has been over 25 years since I did mine and I am sure I didn't use quality speakers so I can't relate with much accuracy (old age). Since you have other speakers "in the mix" your sound is probably very good and would "surround you". I did not have any other speakers other than the kick panel ones which is why I made the aimed at your feet comment. Happy cruising, I jealous as I'm in the frozen north (Iowa). Don H.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Kick Panel Speakers in a C-2

Stephen;

I had the driver's side off and that's how I discovered the interference with the vent cable, These panels with the speakers are molded plastic and bow out to allow space for the depth of the speaker. I didn't see that as a problem, but then I could not get it in close enough to tell with the vent cable obstruction.

Stu Fox

p.s. I'm still in the 20th century and not into ipods, ppods or any of that new fangled stuff. I'm tickled to death just having stereo with enough amps to play my Bochelli good and loud with the top down. My dog thinks it's cool.